Luxury Hotels in Madeira
15 luxury hotels compared on guest reviews. No paid placements.
Tripplo’s selection · Founder: Axel Hernborg · Updated 27 October 2026
Our picks
Best overall
Views2.Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira€€€€Google4.8· 2,000 reviewsBooking9.5· 518 reviews
Dining3.The Cliff Bay - PortoBay€€€€Google4.8· 1,237 reviewsBooking9.4· 667 reviews
Beach4.The Reserve - within Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World€€€€Google4.8· 36 reviewsBooking9.7· 66 reviews
Design5.Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature€€€€Google4.7· 2,611 reviewsBooking9.3· 1,197 reviews
15 Recommended Hotels
Quinta Jardins do Lago
Madeira, Portugal
Best overallLocated in the hills surrounding Funchal, this 18th-century mansion is set in extensive botanical gardens with 600 different plant species. All rooms have balconies overlooking the gardens…
Why this position
Among the three highest guest scores of the 15 hotels we rank here: 9.6 from 597 reviews. Leads the ranking: a higher guest score than #2 (9.6 to 9.5).
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira
Madeira, Portugal
ViewsSet on a cliff in 10 acres of subtropical gardens overlooking the Atlantic, this 5-star hotel, Reid's Palace, a Belmond Hotel, Madeira, offers a secluded sanctuary. This distinguished resort combines…
Why this position
Among the three highest guest scores of the 15 hotels we rank here: 9.5 from 518 reviews. Sits behind #1 on both the score (9.5 to 9.6) and the sample it rests on (518 to 597 reviews).
The Cliff Bay - PortoBay
Madeira, Portugal
DiningSituated atop a natural peninsula, The Cliff Bay provides panoramic Atlantic Ocean views and private sea access…
Why this position
Rests on more guest reviews than #2 (667 to 518), at a slightly lower score (9.4 to 9.5).
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The Reserve - within Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World
Madeira, Portugal
BeachThe Reserve - within Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World is situated in Funchal city centre, offering easy access to attractions such as Gorgulho Beach (1.8 km) and Madeira Casino (600…
Why this position
Scores higher than #3 (9.7 to 9.4), on a smaller body of reviews (66 to 667).
Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature
Madeira, Portugal
DesignSavoy Palace in Funchal offers a 5-star experience with a private beach area, fitness centre, sun terrace, and lush garden. Guests enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, and a variety…
Why this position
Rests on more guest reviews than #4 (1,197 to 66), at a slightly lower score (9.3 to 9.7).
The Vine Hotel
Madeira, Portugal
Spa & wellnessThe Vine Hotel is built for travellers who want Funchal on their doorstep… It sits right in the centre, within walking distance of the waterfront, shops and restaurants, yet the roof terrace feels a world away, with its infinity pool, a long hot tub and views towards Fort São João and the mountains. Guests speak warmly of the staff, who are quick to help and happy to organise tours of the island, and of the rooms, which are comfortable, cleverly designed and offer plenty of storage and space to work. Breakfast is another highlight. The drawbacks are mostly about getting in. The hotel shares its entrance with a shopping mall, which some guests find underwhelming for a hotel of this level, and arriving from the car park involves a winding route to the lobby. A few also mention that the bedroom lighting could be better. For a stylish city base with a rooftop to come back to, it works very well.
Why this position
Sits behind #5 on both the score (9.0 to 9.3) and the sample it rests on (1,107 to 1,197 reviews).
Barceló Funchal Oldtown
Madeira, Portugal
Barceló Funchal Oldtown is made for travellers who want the city at their feet… From the outside it is a grand old building; inside it turns chic and minimalist, and guests love the contrast. The location in the old town keeps the sights within easy reach, and the rooftop pool, with its fabulous views over Funchal, is the place to unwind afterwards. Guests regularly praise the comfortable beds, the attentive staff and the wide breakfast selection, and several also enjoyed dinner in the hotel. The weaker points are practical rather than serious. Drivers should know that the recommended car park is an uncomfortable walk away when you are carrying luggage. Some guests wanted more drawer space in the rooms, and service in the main restaurant does not always match the rest of the stay. For a stylish, central base with a pool on the roof, it is an easy recommendation.
Why this position
Guests rate it above #6 (9.0 to 9.0) and on more reviews (1,768 to 1,107).
Meliá Madeira Mare
Madeira, Portugal
Meliá Madeira Mare suits travellers who want an ocean outlook without giving up easy access to Funchal… The hotel looks straight out over the Atlantic, and the balconies are a favourite: guests describe sitting out on warm evenings with a view that never gets old. Rooms are spacious and kept spotlessly clean, the breakfast buffet draws consistent praise, and the staff come across as unusually kind and helpful. With an indoor and an outdoor pool and a spa offering massages, there is plenty to do on a lazy day. The weaker points are more about upkeep than comfort. Several guests feel parts of the hotel are starting to show their age, with the indoor pool mentioned as due for refurbishment, and service in the restaurant can be uneven. The centre of Funchal is reachable on foot, though some find it a long walk while others enjoy it. For couples who value a sea-view balcony and a calm base near the city, it is a reliable choice.
Why this position
Rests on more guest reviews than #7 (1,963 to 1,768), at a slightly lower score (8.9 to 9.0).
Saccharum - Resort and Spa - Savoy Signature
Madeira, Portugal
Saccharum - Resort and Spa - Savoy Signature suits guests who want a calm, design-led base on the coast rather than a city break… The building is set into the rock face at Calheta Beach, with plenty of planting, large and tastefully styled spaces and a rooftop infinity pool that looks out over the Atlantic. Guests keep returning to the views, the pool areas, the spacious rooms with balconies and the friendly service, and the breakfast earns warm comments too, including a generous plant-based selection. The setting is also the main trade-off. The resort sits some way from the island's busier areas, so a hire car or a taxi makes exploring much easier. A few guests found the beds too firm for a good night's sleep, and some describe the lobby as dark. For couples and travellers who plan to spend their days by the pool and the sea, it makes a quiet, stylish retreat.
Why this position
The largest body of guest feedback on this page: 2,342 reviews, averaging 8.9. Level with #8 on the guest score (8.9) and on the reviews behind it.
Pestana Carlton Madeira Ocean Resort Hotel
Madeira, Portugal
Pestana Carlton Madeira Ocean Resort Hotel suits travellers who want a full resort without being cut off from Funchal… It stands on a cliff top above the Atlantic, so the sea views are a constant, and the centre is about ten minutes away on foot. Guests are struck by the size of the property and of the rooms, which many describe as huge, and they enjoy moving between the different pools, including a saltwater pool with steps into the sea. The breakfast offers plenty of choice, and the staff are often praised for going out of their way, especially for couples marking an anniversary or another special occasion. The drawbacks are small. Parking is free but the access takes confident driving, and housekeeping occasionally misses details such as replacing cups. Most guests find the walk into town easy, though a few feel it is a little far. For a spacious, sea-facing base with plenty to do on site, it is a strong choice.
Why this position
Sits behind #9 on both the score (8.8 to 8.9) and the sample it rests on (1,739 to 2,342 reviews).
Hotel Quinta Do Furao
Madeira, Portugal
Affordable luxuryHotel Quinta Do Furao is a place for travellers who come to Madeira for the scenery… It stands at Achada do Gramacho near Santana, on the island's north-east coast, and guests keep returning to the views of the sea and mountains, best enjoyed from the room balconies and around the outdoor pool. Reviews also praise the quiet setting, a rich breakfast, the restaurant's Madeiran and international cooking and a warm welcome from the staff, and couples on honeymoon speak of a magical stay. The criticisms are few and minor. One guest found the lift old and slow, another wanted more towel hooks in the bathroom, and drinks at the bar can feel pricey. The rural setting on the north coast is the whole point of the stay, so the hotel suits couples and travellers looking for calm and views far better than anyone who wants the bars and restaurants of Funchal on the doorstep.
Why this position
Scores higher than #10 (9.4 to 8.8), on a smaller body of reviews (1,655 to 1,739).
Castanheiro Boutique Hotel
Madeira, Portugal
Peace and quietCastanheiro Boutique Hotel combines a central Funchal address with a sense of calm… It sits on Rua do Castanheiro in the São Pedro quarter, 500 metres from Marina do Funchal, and guests describe it as central but quiet. The rooftop is the highlight: a pool and bar with views across the city that reviewers mention again and again. Guests also praise warm, professional staff, a lovely breakfast, stylish rooms that make the most of their space with careful attention to detail, and a spa with a hydrotherapy pool and sauna. There is little to fault. One guest felt the air conditioning in the gym could be better, another missed an iron in the room, and only some rooms have a balcony or terrace. For couples and travellers who want to explore Funchal on foot and come back to a rooftop pool in the afternoon, it is a stylish, well-run base.
Why this position
Sits behind #11 on both the score (9.3 to 9.4) and the sample it rests on (515 to 1,655 reviews).
Aqua Natura Madeira
Madeira, Portugal
Aqua Natura Madeira is built around the Atlantic… It stands in the fishing village of Porto Moniz, 45 km north of Funchal city centre, and every room has a balcony facing the sea, a view that guests mention again and again. They also praise the warm welcome at reception, courteous and helpful staff, modern, spacious and clean rooms and an excellent breakfast buffet, while the panoramic restaurant serves local cooking with national and regional wines. A pool, a jacuzzi and a sauna round off the stay. The drawbacks are few. One guest found the beds very hard, and another felt the breakfast fell short of the praise it receives elsewhere. The bigger consideration is the location: Porto Moniz is a long way from the capital, so the hotel suits travellers who want sea views and a quiet village base in the north of the island rather than easy evenings out in Funchal.
Why this position
Rests on more guest reviews than #12 (1,836 to 515), at a slightly lower score (9.2 to 9.3).
Hotel Cajú
Madeira, Portugal
Hotel Cajú suits travellers who want to see Funchal on foot… It stands on Rua da Carreira in the São Pedro quarter, and guests keep saying that most of what they want to visit is only a few minutes' walk away: the Cathedral, the marina, Madeira Casino and the bars and restaurants of the centre. Reviews praise the chic, modern design, the spotless rooms and a warm, helpful team, especially at reception, and breakfast is generally well liked. The trade-offs come with the city setting. There is no pool, so beach time means a walk of under 1 km to Almirante Reis Beach, and guests on longer stays note that breakfast changes little from day to day. A few also find that the bathroom layout offers less privacy than they would like. For couples and city breakers who want a stylish, central base rather than a resort, it is an easy fit.
Why this position
The same guest score as #13 (9.2), on a smaller body of reviews (802 to 1,836).
Sentido Galomar - Adults Only
Madeira, Portugal
Adults onlySentido Galomar - Adults Only is made for couples who want the sea close by and the days calm… It sits on a cliff at Ponta d'Oliveira in Caniço with direct access to the water, so guests swim and snorkel straight from the hotel's private beach area, and a diving centre is on hand for anyone who wants to go further. Reviews describe the hotel as peaceful, clean and minimalist in design, with friendly staff, spacious sea-view rooms and a rich, varied breakfast served with views over the ocean. The Ashoka Spa adds treatments including Ayurveda, as well as saunas and a hot tub. The criticisms are minor. The pool and lido close at 7pm and the pool bar earlier still, which some guests find early, and only some rooms have a balcony. One guest also had trouble with the air conditioning. For adults looking for a quiet, sea-focused stay with a good spa, it is an easy recommendation.
Why this position
Rests on more guest reviews than #14 (1,171 to 802), at a slightly lower score (9.0 to 9.2).
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Ranking updated 27 October 2026
15 hotels compared · How we choose hotels · No paid placements
Compare the hotels
| # | Hotel | Stars | Guest rating | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quinta Jardins do Lago | 5★ | Google4.8· 544 reviews Booking9.6· 597 reviews | São Pedro, Funchal | Best overall |
| 2 | Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira | 5★ | Google4.8· 2,000 reviews Booking9.5· 518 reviews | São Martinho, Funchal | Views |
| 3 | The Cliff Bay - PortoBay | 5★ | Google4.8· 1,237 reviews Booking9.4· 667 reviews | São Martinho, Funchal | Dining |
| 4 | The Reserve - within Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World | 5★ | Google4.8· 36 reviews Booking9.7· 66 reviews | São Martinho, Funchal | Beach |
| 5 | Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature | 5★ | Google4.7· 2,611 reviews Booking9.3· 1,197 reviews | São Martinho, Funchal | Design |
| 6 | The Vine Hotel | 5★ | Booking9· 1,107 reviews | São Pedro, Funchal | Spa & wellness |
| 7 | Barceló Funchal Oldtown | 5★ | Booking9· 1,768 reviews | São Pedro, Funchal | — |
| 8 | Meliá Madeira Mare | 5★ | Booking8.9· 1,963 reviews | São Martinho, Funchal | — |
| 9 | Saccharum - Resort and Spa - Savoy Signature | 5★ | Booking8.9· 2,342 reviews | São Pedro, Funchal | — |
| 10 | Pestana Carlton Madeira Ocean Resort Hotel | 5★ | Booking8.8· 1,739 reviews | São Martinho, Funchal | — |
| 11 | Hotel Quinta Do Furao | 4★ | Booking9.4· 1,655 reviews | São Pedro, Funchal | Affordable luxury |
| 12 | Castanheiro Boutique Hotel | 4★ | Booking9.3· 515 reviews | São Pedro, Funchal | Peace and quiet |
| 13 | Aqua Natura Madeira | 4★ | Booking9.2· 1,836 reviews | — | — |
| 14 | Hotel Cajú | 4★ | Booking9.2· 802 reviews | São Pedro, Funchal | — |
| 15 | Sentido Galomar - Adults Only | 4★ | Booking9· 1,171 reviews | São Pedro, Funchal | Adults only |
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How we ranked these hotels
15 hotels looked at for this destination: 15 ranked above, 0 more we recommend.
The Google and Booking ratings for these hotels are based on a combined 24,371 reviews reported by the sources. This is not the number of review texts Tripplo has analysed.
How guest ratings, hotel class and facts inform our selections.
Read our methodologyWhere to stay on Madeira?
Areas drawn from our hotels' addresses and updated as the selection changes.
São Martinho, Funchal
Best for Sea views and resortsLocated west of the historic centre, this coastal district is home to many of Funchal's established hotels and lido pools. It offers excellent ocean access and is well-served by restaurants and seaside promenades.
São Pedro, Funchal
Best for Historic charm and gardensThis elevated parish lies just north of central Funchal, known for its quiet residential streets and historic manor houses. It offers a peaceful atmosphere while remaining within walking distance of the city's main sights.
Caniçal
Best for Seclusion and natureSituated on the easternmost peninsula of Madeira, this quiet village is the gateway to the rugged hiking trails of Ponta de São Lourenço. It is suited to those seeking a secluded coastal retreat away from the busy capital.
Areas to consider
Visitors looking to explore Funchal's historic sights daily should note that eastern outposts like Caniçal require a 30-minute drive and have limited public transport options.
Madeira: weather and sea temperature
Right now: 17° air · 23° sea
Tripplo's luxury hotel selection on Madeira in numbers
Most common facilities
- Pool (13 of 15)
- Restaurant (13 of 15)
- Bar (12 of 15)
- Spa & wellness (11 of 15)
- Airport shuttle (11 of 15)
- Family rooms (11 of 15)
What these hotels do best
- Dining (12 of 15)
- Views (10 of 15)
- Pools (9 of 15)
- Service (9 of 15)
How we chose these hotels
At our latest review (August 2026) the properties listed above were measured against the same standard: sustained guest scores on both Booking.com and Google (weighted by how many reviews sit behind them), five-star class or an equivalent premium level, a first-rate location, and facilities that set the hotel apart.
As a guideline we look for around 8.5 or higher on Booking.com, but no single number decides on its own. When the sources disagree, the broader evidence wins. Guest scores on this page update continuously, and the selection is re-reviewed at regular intervals. The full standard is described in how we choose hotels.
